Coffee Maker recommendations needed - come in and join the fun with a cup 'o java!

[sheryl]

Well, I won't be joining you with coffee right now at least because it's almost bedtime LOL!

BUT, I need coffee maker recs.  I searched for other similar threads but to no avail.  In fact, the list rendered any topic but that it seemed on the first page, including one of my recent "Quick - dinner help"!   OK, but I'm looking for coffee maker recs.  Oh well......

We have a 12 cup now and honestly don't need that because it is only dh and I drinking coffee.  We've been using electric perk until I read that style of coffee brewing may increase cholesterol which I'm trying to lower naturally before having to resort to med to lower it.

So, we're going back to filtered coffee - drip coffee maker with a basket and liner.

Don't need the whole bean grinding capability because I feel these "extra features" sometimes dumbs down the whole machine inasmuch as it's another working component to weaken and malfunction.   The idea is cool though.

Interested in glass carafe only - NOT aluminum.  Would like stainless steel mostly exterior.  

Single cup option - I don't know.  I'd rather not have a HUGE unit coffee maker on my counter.  Besides, we have a Keurig and we would likely make 4 cups which is actually equivalent to 2 mugs so that is 2 servings for us.

I just think an 8-10 cup max is sufficient because it is only the 2 of us drinking the coffee.

OK, what say you?   

Edited October 22, 2021 by sheryl

[kristin0713]

I have this one and love it. I don’t know why it’s so expensive. I’m sure I paid under $100 for it. I use the timer feature every night and set it up before bed. 

[J-rap]

This is my favorite coffee maker (that I've had) so far.  Melitta Aroma Enhance Drip Coffee Maker.  I'm sad because it looks like they might not be making it anymore.  I got it at either Target or Best Buy and now neither has it, or barely anyone else has it.  But this place has it:

https://coolestgoatuncle.com/products/melitta-aroma-enhance-drip-coffee-maker-with-double-wall-vacuum-stainless-steel-carafe-capacity-10-cups-includes-5-melitta-coffee-filters-4-white?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwn8SLBhAyEiwAHNTJbee0MSeYwL4dOtK622cjeYAtmRnbUGgsq8JcWgqv9F2_sXchNusoJRoCK-kQAvD_BwE&variant=40850335596719

The carafe isn't glass though, it's steel.  I really like it because it doesn't have a hot plate that causes the coffee to grow bitter as it sits.  It just comes out very hot and then stays hot in the thermal carafe.  The coffee really does come out very hot, and you can adjust the strength and the coffee has a good full flavor (if you get the good stuff!).  It's just so good, simple to use, and looks nice.  There, have I sold you on it?  😄  Oh, and you can definitely make just one mugful.  I do that often.

Edited October 22, 2021 by J-rap

[happi duck]

We don't have a drip coffee maker.  We do Chemex (pour over with a filter).

That said, it's been years but my late sister made the best drip coffee and always had a Bunn.  

Edited October 22, 2021 by happi duck

[ScoutTN]

❤️ my Chemex. 
 

 

 

[Kareni]

Or how about something like this, this, or this? My husband has something similar for making one serving of coffee.

Regards,

Kareni

[Pawz4me]

I've had a Ninja drip coffee maker for about three years and if/when it kicks the bucket I'll definitely look for something else in the same brand.

[rutheart]

We got this model about a year ago, and we've been really happy to have the hot water feature included in such a small footprint. My husband usually brews 1-2 cups of coffee at a time, but when it's not a pandemic, we have guests, so having more volume capacity is useful.

https://www.target.com/p/cuisinart-coffee-plus-12-cup-programmable-coffee-maker-38-hot-water-system-stainless-chw-12p1/-/A-21398001#lnk=sametab

I bought it at Target, but since it's out of stock there, here's the Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CHW-12-Programmable-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B003KYSLMC?th=1

Looks like Lowes, Kohls, Williams Sonoma, and Walmart also have it in stock.

Dimensions are: 10.25 x 9.5 x 14.3 inches

Edited October 22, 2021 by rutheart
additional link/info

[ScoutTN]

Are there any which heat the water in a non-plastic tank?

[ktgrok]

I recently got the Ninja Hot and Cold brew system based on recommendations here and I love it. But, I got it because it makes cold brew (well...cool brew?) in 15 minutes, plus hot and iced coffee and hot and iced tea, and can do single serving very well (usually all I need) or other sizes up to a full carafe. I will say the normal mug size is bigger than standard coffee "cup" sizes. And it does mug, large mug, travel mug, extra large travel mug, half carafe, and full carafe. There are two versions, one with an insulated carafe and one with a glass carafe with a heating plate. I returned the one with the insulated carafe for the glass one, as the insulated one didn't keep it hot enough if we only made a half carafe. The warming plate has two temperature settings, and you can set how long to heat the coffee for as well. 

And it has a timer, etc. 

[sheryl]

OK, good morning (with a cup of joe at my side) LOL!  I'm going to read these and reply....

[sheryl]

10 hours ago, kristin0713 said:

I have this one and love it. I don’t know why it’s so expensive. I’m sure I paid under $100 for it. I use the timer feature every night and set it up before bed. 

Thank you.   Cuisinart manufacturers (or labels) so many good appliances.  Appreciate it!

[sheryl]

10 hours ago, J-rap said:

This is my favorite coffee maker (that I've had) so far.  Melitta Aroma Enhance Drip Coffee Maker.  I'm sad because it looks like they might not be making it anymore.  I got it at either Target or Best Buy and now neither has it, or barely anyone else has it.  But this place has it:

https://coolestgoatuncle.com/products/melitta-aroma-enhance-drip-coffee-maker-with-double-wall-vacuum-stainless-steel-carafe-capacity-10-cups-includes-5-melitta-coffee-filters-4-white?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwn8SLBhAyEiwAHNTJbee0MSeYwL4dOtK622cjeYAtmRnbUGgsq8JcWgqv9F2_sXchNusoJRoCK-kQAvD_BwE&variant=40850335596719

The carafe isn't glass though, it's steel.  I really like it because it doesn't have a hot plate that causes the coffee to grow bitter as it sits.  It just comes out very hot and then stays hot in the thermal carafe.  The coffee really does come out very hot, and you can adjust the strength and the coffee has a good full flavor (if you get the good stuff!).  It's just so good, simple to use, and looks nice.  There, have I sold you on it?  😄  Oh, and you can definitely make just one mugful.  I do that often.

JRAP - I have to say, I love this model.  And, yes, I'm familiar with the Melitta brand.  I "may" have had a mini M years ago, I don't remember the brand.   

I do have some questions for you -

1.  How old is your unit?   How many carafes do you make a day?
2.  How do you clean the interior to avoid build up?  
3.  What size paper filter?  And, permanent basket?
4.  I'm assuming carafe base setting directly on a cold granite counter does not interfere with keeping coffee hot in steel.   ?
5.  Would you send/upload a pic of your model?  If not possible, how can I see the features?  I've enlarged the pic in link but to no avail.  I've read the description but I'd like to see features.  They aren't deal breakers but I'd just like to know if there is ---- cleaning for calcium deposits, etc, programmable to wake up to a pot of coffee (in what increments) and any other features found in "today's" coffee maker.
 

Really impressed with this!
 

[sheryl]

9 hours ago, Kareni said:

Or how about something like this, this, or this? My husband has something similar for making one serving of coffee.

Regards,

Kareni

My word, Kareni, what talent you have in finding products!  So, this is too cool for single cups!  I could see getting this in addition to a full-sized coffee maker producing carafe size.   Is your husband pleased with the temp of coffee?  

[sheryl]

1 hour ago, rutheart said:

We got this model about a year ago, and we've been really happy to have the hot water feature included in such a small footprint. My husband usually brews 1-2 cups of coffee at a time, but when it's not a pandemic, we have guests, so having more volume capacity is useful.

https://www.target.com/p/cuisinart-coffee-plus-12-cup-programmable-coffee-maker-38-hot-water-system-stainless-chw-12p1/-/A-21398001#lnk=sametab

This is an impressive option as well.  I do like the single cup option but I'm wondering the dimensions.  Will check in to that.   I'm eyeballing JRAP's suggestion - the steel carafe makes a lot of sense.    And, Kareni's single cup option - cute!   Will also consider this.  Thanks!  

[sheryl]

46 minutes ago, ScoutTN said:

Are there any which heat the water in a non-plastic tank?

I'm not sure I know what you're asking.  

[sheryl]

35 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

I recently got the Ninja Hot and Cold brew system based on recommendations here and I love it. But, I got it because it makes cold brew (well...cool brew?) in 15 minutes, plus hot and iced coffee and hot and iced tea, and can do single serving very well (usually all I need) or other sizes up to a full carafe. I will say the normal mug size is bigger than standard coffee "cup" sizes. And it does mug, large mug, travel mug, extra large travel mug, half carafe, and full carafe. There are two versions, one with an insulated carafe and one with a glass carafe with a heating plate. I returned the one with the insulated carafe for the glass one, as the insulated one didn't keep it hot enough if we only made a half carafe. The warming plate has two temperature settings, and you can set how long to heat the coffee for as well. 

And it has a timer, etc. 

Right!  Thanks for that.  I'm just not a cold coffee drinker.  That element would go to waste.  

[ktgrok]

23 minutes ago, sheryl said:

Right!  Thanks for that.  I'm just not a cold coffee drinker.  That element would go to waste.  

Not worth it then. We all like cold brew, and iced tea, etc.  I usually make hot coffee in the morning, cold brew in the afternoon, then tea in the evening. 

[sheryl]

11 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

Not worth it then. We all like cold brew, and iced tea, etc.  I usually make hot coffee in the morning, cold brew in the afternoon, then tea in the evening. 

Yep.  My sister likes cold coffee.  I can drink it but it's not really for me.  My tea I prefer hot as well.  Even in the summer.  

[happi duck]

2 hours ago, ScoutTN said:

Are there any which heat the water in a non-plastic tank?

I think about this too!  (another reason to love Chemex!)

Most of the Bunn home brewers keep a tank of hot water ready to go so those have stainless steel water tanks, iirc.  Didn't see it mentioned for the one model that doesn't hold water at temp.

[ScoutTN]

2 hours ago, sheryl said:

I'm not sure I know what you're asking.  

Hot plastic leaches BPA and carcinogens into food. So we don’t heat anything in the microwave in plastic or put hot food into plastic containers. I don’t want my coffee water heated in a plastic compartment. We use a metal tea kettle and a Chemex, which is glass.

[J-rap]

3 hours ago, sheryl said:

JRAP - I have to say, I love this model.  And, yes, I'm familiar with the Melitta brand.  I "may" have had a mini M years ago, I don't remember the brand.   

I do have some questions for you -

1.  How old is your unit?   How many carafes do you make a day?
2.  How do you clean the interior to avoid build up?  
3.  What size paper filter?  And, permanent basket?
4.  I'm assuming carafe base setting directly on a cold granite counter does not interfere with keeping coffee hot in steel.   ?
5.  Would you send/upload a pic of your model?  If not possible, how can I see the features?  I've enlarged the pic in link but to no avail.  I've read the description but I'd like to see features.  They aren't deal breakers but I'd just like to know if there is ---- cleaning for calcium deposits, etc, programmable to wake up to a pot of coffee (in what increments) and any other features found in "today's" coffee maker.
 

Really impressed with this!
 

We've had ours for about a year.  We make coffee always once/day, sometimes twice.  I clean the carafe by just a quick rinse under hot water daily, and then a soapy wash maybe once/week.  A button lights up when the machine itself needs to be cleaned, and there are instructions for cleaning it with vinegar.  I think it must be pretty sensitive to build-up before it really needs to be cleaned, because I didn't clean it for about three months after the button lit-up and it still worked fine.   I use the 8-12 cup paper cone filters.  We used to use a reusable cone filter for another machine, and I don't see why that wouldn't work for this one too.  I'm not sure about resting the carafe on granite.  We do bring ours outside to the patio sometimes and it stays hot! 

I found a couple of other sites that still sell it, and they have more info:

https://shoponline.melitta.com/products/10-cup-aroma-enhance-thermal-white

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Melitta-Aroma-Enhance-Thermal-Drip-Coffee-Maker-MCM004PULWH1/309919055

Oh, I see the Home Depot site says they're out of stock, but they do have a good description and pictures. 

[Carol in Cal.]

We have a Melitta pour over set up, and both the carafe and the cone are china.  This never ever breaks down.  We never ever wonder whether we will have coffee.  We have a separate little electric grinder, and I have a small stash of ground coffee in the freezer in case the grinder breaks or we have a power outage.  We are SERIOUS about not not having coffee, LOL.  

I like the Melitta pour over better than Chemex.  We do have each.

I also like it better than any machine made coffee short of espresso or Nespresso, neither of which we are willing to do every day—Nespresso because it is so wasteful and espresso because it’s so much more trouble and clean up.  

I don’t know why more people don’t do this.  It’s not much trouble and it’s so much better and more reliable.

Edited October 22, 2021 by Carol in Cal.

[Kareni]

Regarding , this, or this...

4 hours ago, sheryl said:

  I could see getting this in addition to a full-sized coffee maker producing carafe size.   Is your husband pleased with the temp of coffee?  

He has had no complaints regarding the temperature. 

Regards,

Kareni

[sheryl]

5 hours ago, ScoutTN said:

Hot plastic leaches BPA and carcinogens into food. So we don’t heat anything in the microwave in plastic or put hot food into plastic containers. I don’t want my coffee water heated in a plastic compartment. We use a metal tea kettle and a Chemex, which is glass.

Right, and I know this but it blew past me on this coffee maker LOL!  I posted a while back or replied that I was switching from plastic to glass kitchen storage, etc.   Just didn't think of it in terms of a coffee maker.  Thanks for the reminder!

[sheryl]

Well, now I'm trying to reconcile the glass kettle.   I found one.  Now do I spend the money on it?  That or the nice Melitta JRap suggested.  Like the individual version Kareni suggested!  All good!!!